JP2004508205A - Pipe making equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed for fabricating a section of pipe for joining with a mechanical pipe fitting in a piping network. The apparatus comprises a fixed support with a support surface engageable with a section of pipe and tools (54) such as grooving rolls (24), chamfer rolls (44), marking rolls (36) and cutting blades (50). And a movable support facing the fixed support rotatably mounted. The tool engages the outer surface of the pipe so as to form a circumferential groove, marking pattern, chamfer or cut in the pipe when moving the movable support toward the fixed support. A collar or cup having a circumferential side wall sized to receive the pipe is mounted on a fixed support near the support surface, and the pipe is oriented radially to prevent the pipe from collapsing and becoming non-circular during formation of the groove. Reinforce.

Description

[0001]
(Related application)
This application is related to co-pending provisional application No. 60 / 218,770 filed July 17, 2000 and provisional application No. 60 / 262,819 filed January 19, 2001. And claim its interests.
[0002]
(Technical field to which the invention belongs)
The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a section of a pipe for joining pipe couplings or fittings. The apparatus is equipped with tools that perform functions such as carving a circumferential groove in the surface of the pipe, marking the surface of the pipe, chamfering the end of the pipe, and cutting the pipe.
[0003]
(Background of the Invention)
The fabrication of pipe sections for connection to fittings and couplings in the piping network involves cutting the pipe, forming circumferential grooves in the pipe surface, marking the pipe surface at specific locations, burrs and sharps resulting from the cutting process. Often it is necessary to chamfer the cut end of the pipe in order to remove a sharp edge. Surface markings are useful to provide a visual indication for proper engagement depth of the pipe within the fitting. Circumferential grooves provide positioning features for positioning sealing means such as O-rings and gaskets and surface features for mechanically engaging the coupling to increase the axial tensile strength of the fitting. Often used to provide. Cutting is naturally necessary to shape the pipe rod to the desired length, and chamfering removes burrs at the cut end and provides a beveled surface that facilitates insertion of the pipe into the fitting.
[0004]
The formation of circumferential grooves in pipes made of malleable materials, such as copper, steel, aluminum, etc., is performed by cold working the metal beyond its yield stress, thereby causing permanent deformation of the metal. Current technology for forming circumferential grooves in metal pipes involves placing a pipe wall between the circumferences of two adjacent rolls or wheels, with one wheel inside the pipe and the other outside. Accompanied by necessity. One of the wheels has on its outer periphery a concave mold into which the circumference of the other wheel fits. When the two wheels rotate in opposite directions and apply sufficient pressure to press the wheels together, the pressure of the wheels causes the pipe wall to yield and deform, thereby forming the pipe wall between the wheel circumference and the concave mold. A groove defined by the interaction of
[0005]
The two-wheel method maintains the pipe circular while the pipe walls are supported between each other between the wheels and are not subjected to compression point loads that tend to crush or make the pipe non-circular. It is effective in forming a groove in the pipe wall. However, this two-wheel method is difficult to implement by hand because the inner wheel must be supported by a cantilever extending into the pipe, and is not suitable for use with relatively small-diameter pipes. Has limited usefulness. Since the cantilever supports must be fitted into the pipe, their physical dimensions and, consequently, their bending stiffness are limited. For long cantilevers or small diameter pipes, the inner wheel may not have a hard enough mount to react enough to the outer wheel to cause deformation of the pipe wall beyond the yield point .
[0006]
In addition, current technology tends to create grooves that are concentric with the inner surface of the pipe. As a result, if the thickness of the pipe wall is non-uniform around its circumference, the depth of the groove will be non-uniform. Non-uniform groove depths can degrade the performance of a mechanical coupling that mates with a groove for performing a fitting.
[0007]
Cutting of the pipe is often performed by progressively engaging the pipe with a cutting blade while supporting the pipe on the opposite side of the blade. When the blade engages the pipe, the pipe and the blade rotate relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the pipe until cutting is complete. Chamfering the cut end is performed by rotating a chamfer wheel or roll around the pipe relative to the cut end to cold work the metal and to bevel the end. The marking of the pipe is performed in the same way as the grooving of the pipe, or by rotating an engraved or gravure wheel around the circumference.
[0008]
Thus, the fabrication of a pipe may require cutting, chamfering, grooving and marking. As mentioned above, in the case of small diameter pipes, pipe grooving, either manually or automatically, cannot be easily performed with current means. Further, when multiple functions must be performed to make a pipe, each function is typically performed by one dedicated device. Thus, a large number of devices are required. This is not possible if the operator has to perform a large number of functions, since the operator must take the time to sequentially engage and disengage the pipes with each device when processing the pipes. It is efficient. This inefficiency is exacerbated when machining large numbers of pipes. Devices that can perform some or all of the functions required to make pipes for the joining of piping networks and thus prevent the inefficiencies associated with the use of a large number of single function devices, as well as small diameter pipes, There is clearly a need for a single device that can be grooved.
[0009]
(Summary of the Invention)
The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing at least one of a plurality of steps on a pipe having a longitudinal axis and an outer circumferential surface. The device according to the invention has a first support having a support surface engageable with the outer circumferential surface of the pipe. A second support is disposed in a spaced relationship with the first support. One of the supports is movable in a direction toward and away from the other of the supports.
[0010]
A tool is mounted on the second support and placed facing the first support. The tool is engagable with the outer circumferential surface of the pipe as the pipe is supported on the first support. The tool may be a grooving, marking or chamfered surface. Several steps that the device can perform include forming a circumferential groove around the pipe at the grooved surface, forming fiducial marks around the circumference of the pipe at the marking surface, and the outer surface of the pipe at the chamfered surface Includes chamfers. The tool and the pipe are rotatable relative to each other about a longitudinal axis to perform the process.
[0011]
In another embodiment, the apparatus performs multiple steps on the pipe substantially simultaneously. This embodiment also has a first support having a support surface capable of engaging the outer circumferential surface of the pipe, and a second support disposed in spaced relation to the first support. Also in this embodiment, one of the supports can move in a direction approaching the other of the supports and in a direction away from the other. The first tool consisting of a grooved surface is preferably mounted on the second support, and is arranged facing the first support. The grooved surface is engagable with the outer circumferential surface of the pipe when the pipe is supported on the first support. The second tool is also mounted on the second support and is arranged facing the first support. The second tool is engagable with the outer circumferential surface of the pipe substantially simultaneously with the first tool. The second tool is a marking surface, a round radius surface, a chamfer surface, or a cutting blade, and the steps performed by the apparatus include forming a circumferential groove around the pipe at the groove surface, a marking surface. Forming a fiducial mark around the circumference of the pipe, forming or chamfering the outer surface of the pipe at a radius or chamfer, and cutting the pipe with a cutting blade. To perform the process, the first and second tools and the pipe are rotatable relative to each other about a longitudinal axis of the pipe.
[0012]
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus includes a first support having a support surface engagable with an outer circumferential surface of a pipe, and a second support disposed in spaced relation to the first support. And a support. Also in this embodiment, one of the supports is movable in a direction approaching the other of the supports and in a direction away from the other.
[0013]
The apparatus also has a plurality of tools mounted on the second support and arranged to face the first support. All of the tools are substantially simultaneously engageable with the outer circumferential surface of the pipe when the pipe is supported on the first support. Preferably, the tool includes a grooving surface, a marking surface, a chamfered surface, and a cutting blade. The multiple steps performed simultaneously by the device include forming a circumferential groove around the pipe at the grooving surface, forming fiducial marks around the circumference of the pipe at the marking surface, and removing the pipe at the chamfering surface. This includes chamfering surfaces and cutting pipes with cutting blades. The tool and the pipe are rotatable relative to each other about a longitudinal axis of the pipe to perform multiple steps.
[0014]
One object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for efficiently fabricating pipe sections for joining with mechanical fittings.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can be used with relatively small diameter pipes.
[0015]
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of forming a groove in a pipe without using a support in contact with the inner surface of the pipe.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of forming a groove of a uniform depth in a pipe with respect to an outer surface of the pipe.
[0016]
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can perform multiple steps on a pipe substantially simultaneously.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is adaptable for manual or automatic operation.
[0017]
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus having interchangeable components and adaptable to pipes of various diameters and materials.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the following drawings and detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
[0018]
(Detailed description of preferred embodiments)
1 to 4 show a multifunctional embodiment of a pipe making apparatus 10 according to the present invention. The device 10 has a support 12. It is preferable that a pair of rollers 14 and 16 are rotatably mounted on the support 12. The rollers 14, 16 are disposed on the support 12 in spaced relation to each other and have circumferential surfaces 18, 20 forming a support surface for receiving and supporting the pipe 22, shown in phantom in FIG. Each roller is rotatable about a respective axis 14a, 16a oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 22a of the pipe 22.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 2, a tool, preferably a grooving roll 24, is disposed on a second support 26 which is disposed in spaced relation to the support 12. The grooving roll 24 is disposed to face the support 12 and has a circumferential grooving surface 28. The grooving roll 24 is rotatable by means described below on a support 26 that is movable in a direction approaching the support 12 in a direction indicated by two arrows 30 and in a direction away from the support 12. It is preferable to be mounted. (The present invention also works when the support 26 is fixed and the support 12 moves relative to the support 26.) The grooving roll 24 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 22a of the pipe 22. Rotate around a suitable shaft 32. When the pipe 22 is received on the support surfaces 18, 20 of the rollers 14, 16, the support 26 is moved toward the support 12 to force the groove 28 into engagement with the pipe 22. Next, a circumferential groove 34, best shown in FIG. 5, is inserted into the pipe relative to the tool such that the grooving surface 28 of the grooving roll 24 crosses the circumference of the pipe 22 around the longitudinal axis 22a of the pipe. Is formed on the pipe 22 by rotating the tool or rotating the tool with respect to the pipe. The grooving surface is harder than the material forming the pipe, and the pipe material is cold worked to form the circumferential groove 34.
[0020]
It is desirable to include multiple tools, such as grooving rolls 24, on the support 26 so that a single device can efficiently perform multiple steps on the pipe. Examples of practical auxiliary tools that can be used with the grooving roll are described below.
[0021]
FIG. 2 also shows a marking roll 36 rotatably mounted on a support 26 coaxially with the grooving roll 24. The marking roll 36 is preferably smaller in diameter than the grooving roll 24 and has a notched circumferential surface 38. The diameter of the marking roll is dimensioned such that the knurled surface 38 engages the pipe when the grooving roll approaches the end of its operation toward the support 12 and forms the groove 34 at the desired depth. It is. As shown in FIG. 5, when engaged with the pipe 22, the knurled surface 38 provides the required penetration depth of the pipe in the fitting such that the circumferential groove 34 properly engages the retaining features in the fitting. For example, a pattern 40 to be used is stamped on the pipe to indicate the height. The lateral spacing of the marking roll 36 from the grooving roll 24 is arranged so that the pattern 40 is properly spaced from the circumferential groove 34 to correctly indicate the required pipe penetration depth.
[0022]
Alternatively, the marking roll 36 may be a gravure roller, a stamping roll, or other grooving roll that transfers the print pattern onto the pipe. In addition, the surface 38 marking the pipe need not be on the circumference of the roll or wheel, but rather along a knife edge properly mounted on the support 26 or at the tip of the needle. You may.
[0023]
FIG. 2 further shows a chamfer roll 42 rotatably mounted on the support 26 coaxially with the grooving roll 24. As shown in FIG. 5, the chamfer roll 42 has a chamfer surface 44 that can be engaged with the end 22 b of the pipe 22 to form a chamfer 46. The chamfered surface 42 is oriented at an angle 48 with respect to the longitudinal axis 22 a of the pipe 22 and faces the end 22 b of the pipe 22. As the apparatus 10 and the pipe 22 rotate relative to each other and the support 26 is advanced toward the support 12, the chamfered surface 44 engages the pipe end 22b to form a chamfer 46 around the circumference of the pipe. The chamfering of the pipe 22 removes burrs or sharp edges from the end that may be formed when the pipe is cut and also provides a surface at the end of the pipe that facilitates insertion into the fitting.
[0024]
FIG. 2 further shows a cutting blade 50 rotatably mounted on the support 26 coaxially with the grooving roll 24. The cutting blade 50 is preferably mounted on or adjacent to the chamfer roll 42 such that when the support 26 is moved toward the support 12, the cutting blade 50 is supported on the rollers 14, 16. Has the largest diameter among the tools on the support to initially engage and cut the cut pipe 22. As the cutting progresses, the support 26 is further moved towards the pipe 22 and thus the chamfer roll 24 and the grooving roll 24 to form a chamfer 46 and a circumferential groove 34 on the end 22b, respectively. Are continuously engaged with the pipe 22. Towards the end of the movement of the support 26, a marking roll 36, preferably a tool with the smallest diameter, engages the pipe 22 and forms a pattern 40 with its notched surface 38. In another embodiment, it is envisioned that the cutting blade is smaller in diameter than the grooving roll, or even the marking roll, depending on the order in which the functions occur.
[0025]
In summary, as shown in FIG. 5, the grooving roll 24, the marking roll 36, the chamfer roll 42, and the cutting blade 50 have various widths and depths that can be adapted for use with pipes of various diameters. One to be removably mounted on the support 26 and easily exchanged with another tool set consisting of fewer or more tools or tools of various sizes to form a groove or chamfer in It can be regarded as a multifunctional tool set 52.
[0026]
FIG. 5a shows a multifunctional tool set 53 having a rounding radius forming roll 43 instead of a chamfering roll. The radius forming roll and the chamfering roll are similar in that both rolls provide a surface that engages the end 22b of the pipe 22 and deforms the end 22b of the pipe 22. The rounding radius forming roll 43 is rotatably mounted on the support 26 coaxially with the grooving roll 24 and has a curved rounding radius surface 45 disposed around the circumference of the roll. The radius estuary surface 45 faces the grooving roll and the end 22 b of the pipe 22. When the device 10 and the pipe 22 are rotated relative to each other and the support 26 is advanced toward the support 12, a rounded radius surface 45 is formed with the pipe end 22b to form a curved radius 47 around the circumference of the pipe. Engage. Similar to chamfering, the formation of the radius of the pipe 22 removes burrs and sharp edges formed when the pipe is cut from the ends, facilitates entry into the fitting, and places the pipe in place. It also provides a surface at the pipe end that reduces the required engagement force and prevents damage to O-rings and other resilient seals that may be in the fitting.
[0027]
FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a multifunctional tool set 54 that can be rotatably mounted on the support 26 for rotation about the axis 32. The multifunctional tool set 54 has one cutting blade 50, but has two chamfer rolls 42, two grooving rolls 24, and two marking rolls 36. The tool set 54 is preferably arranged symmetrically about the cutting blade 50, although it is envisioned that an asymmetric arrangement may be useful. When using such a multifunctional tool set 54, both parts of the pipe 22 resulting from the cut are machined and each is appropriately spaced from the chamfer 46 and the pipe end 22b, as shown in FIG. End 22b with a circumferential groove 34 and a pattern 40 appropriately spaced from the corresponding circumferential groove 34. Such a tool greatly enhances the processing efficiency of the pipe.
[0028]
The various rolls, such as the marking roll 36, the grooving roll 24, the chamfer roll 42, the cutting blade 50, etc., can be integrally formed on one shaft and thus can rotate together as they traverse the circumference of the pipe. However, forcibly rotating rolls of various diameters at the same angular displacement may cause slippage on surfaces such as the grooved surface 28 and the notched surface 38 with respect to the pipe 22. Preferably, the rolls and blades can rotate independently of each other on a common shaft, as this slippage can cause resistance to relative rotation between the pipe 22 and the device 10. Such a multifunctional tool set is illustrated in FIG. In FIG. 4, the components of the tool set are mounted on a mandrel 56 such that they rotate independently of each other about the axis 32.
[0029]
The multifunctional pipe making apparatus 10, consisting of a support 12 and a movable support 26 on which various tools are rotatably mounted, is easily adaptable for either automatic or manual use. In one example of the automation device schematically illustrated in FIG. 7, the pipe 22 is held in a rotatable chuck 60 by an electric motor (MOTOR) 62 or other driving means, and the supports 12, 26 are positioned adjacent to the chuck. Is done. The movement of the support 26 towards the support 12 is performed by a hydraulic ram 64 or other electric actuator means. Such systems are preferred for relatively large diameter pipes, pipes formed from relatively hard materials, and mass production for increased productivity.
[0030]
For smaller diameter pipes, such as a 0.5 inch (about 1.27 cm) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard copper tubing, the hand-held device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4 is practical. As best shown in FIG. 1, the device 10 has an elongated handle 66 extending from the support 12 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 22a of the pipe 22. Handle 66 provides increased leverage to facilitate rotation of device 10 relative to pipe 22. Handle 66 also provides a convenient mounting for support 26.
[0031]
In the manual device 10, the support 26 can be moved toward and away from the support 12, preferably by a manually operated screw jack assembly 68 mounted on a handle 66. The support 26 is mounted on one end 70 of the screw jack assembly 68 near the first support 12, while a knob 72 is mounted on the other end of the screw jack assembly 68. Turning knob 72 as shown by circular arrow 74 in FIG. 2 causes support 26 to advance toward support 12 in the direction of arrow 30, Or retreat from 12.
[0032]
To ensure that the pipe remains circular when subjected to pressure from grooving rolls 24 and other tools, the support 12 is adjacent to the support rollers 14, 16 and the longitudinal axis of the pipe 22. A collar 76 (see FIG. 1) mounted coaxially with 22a. As shown in FIG. 2, when the pipe 22 is supported on the rollers 14, 16, the pipe 22 is inserted into the collar 76. The collar 76 has a circumferential side wall 78 that defines an opening 80 sized to receive the pipe with a minimum gap so that the pipe wall engages the circumferential side wall 78 of the collar 76. 2, the grooving roll 24 is preferably arranged to engage the pipe 22 immediately adjacent the collar 76. This allows the collar to provide maximum radial reinforcement to the pipe wall, causing the pipe wall to deform from a circular shape when the grooving roll is forced into engagement with the pipe to form a circumferential groove 34, or It can be prevented from being crushed. This reinforcement feature of the collar 76 is particularly useful for thin-walled pipes, where collars can be omitted when processing relatively thick-walled pipes. Note that the collar does not extend over the portion of the pipe 22 below the support 26 so that the chamfer roll 42 and the cutting blade 50 engage the pipe end and allow the pipe end to be properly cut and chamfered. I do.
[0033]
The collar 76 is preferably rotatably mounted within the support 12, as shown in FIG. 2, where the collar 76 is confined between a pair of side walls 82,84. As shown in FIG. 1, the side walls 82, 84 have openings 86, 88 aligned with the openings 80 in the collar 76. The side wall openings 86, 88 are oriented and sized to receive the pipe 22 when the pipe engages the rollers 14, 16 on the support 12. At least one of the side walls 82, 84 has a retaining surface 90 (see FIG. 2) extending outwardly toward the other side wall to capture the collar 76 and rotatably hold the collar 76 between the side walls 82, 84. Is preferred. The collar 76 may be further supported on a pair of rolling bearings 92 (best shown in FIG. 3) mounted on the support 12. Rolling bearing 92 is preferably coaxial with rollers 14,16. Allowing the collar to rotate reduces friction and minimizes the torque required to rotate the device 10 relative to the pipe 22. The collar may not be rotatable, in which case it is desirable to provide a PTFE layer or a friction reducing surface such as a liquid or powdered lubricant between the collar and the pipe.
[0034]
As best shown in FIG. 2, the collar 76 forms a depth stop between the grooving roll 24 and the chamfer roll 42 to ensure that the circumferential groove 34 is formed at the correct depth. It also cooperates with the located cylindrical barrel portion 94. The diameter of the barrel portion 94 is such that when the barrel portion 94 contacts the collar 76, the groove 34 is at the desired depth and the support 26 cannot be advanced any further. When the collar 76 and the barrel portion 94 are used as depth stops, due to the fact that the outer surface and inner diameter of the collar are concentric with the outer diameter of the pipe, they will have a uniform depth of groove relative to the outer diameter of the pipe. Guarantee. A uniform groove depth relative to the outer surface of the pipe is desirable because the grooves can generate maximum strength at mechanical fittings that engage with toothed rings or other types of mechanical retaining means.
[0035]
If the device 10 is used as a two-function tool for grooving and marking pipes, the retaining wall 84 preferably does not have an opening 88. Thus, wall 84 blocks movement of pipe 22 along axis 22a. Apparatus 10 is needed to accommodate certain pipe fittings, such as mechanical couplings that use a toothed retainer that engages the groove and secures the pipe to the coupling when pipe 22 contacts side wall 84. The dimension is such that the circumferential groove 34 and the pattern 40 are correctly arranged with respect to the pipe end.
[0036]
In the manual operation of the apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2, the pipe 22 is supported on the rollers 14, 16 and inserted into the collar 76. Additional rollers 96, 98 may also be used to provide support to the pipe opposite the collar 76. A knob of a screw jack assembly 68 is provided to advance the support 26 toward the support 12 and to force the cutting blade 50, the chamfer roll 42, the grooving roll 24, and the marking roll 36 into continuous contact with the pipe. 72 is turned. As the support 26 advances, the device is manually rotated about the longitudinal axis 22a of the pipe 22. The handle 66 provides a leverage that facilitates manual rotation of the device. The cutting blade 50 cuts the pipe, and the chamfering rolls are cold worked to form the chamfer 46 and also remove any burrs or raised edges formed at the pipe end during cutting. Crush the cut end. A grooving roll 24 cold works the pipe to form a circumferential groove 34, and a marking roll imprints a pattern 40 on the pipe surface.
[0037]
Since it is impractical to cut, chamfer, or form the groove 34 to the desired depth in a single rotation of the device about the axis 22a, the support 26 advances in a series of steps. Then, the device is rotated alternately around the pipe to increase the number of cuts, chamfers, and grooves. At some point in the process, the marking roll 36 contacts the pipe 22 and its notched circumferential surface 38 begins to mark the pipe. When the barrel portion 94 contacts the collar 76 and the device then completes a complete rotation around the pipe, the pipe is cut, the groove 34 is at the correct depth, the chamfer 46 is completed, and the pattern 40 is the outer surface of the pipe. Marked above. Next, in order to retreat the support 36 from the support 12, the knob 72 is turned in the opposite direction, and the marking roll 36, the grooving roll 24, and the chamfer roll 42 are removed from the pipe. The pipe can now be removed from the device 10.
[0038]
Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown in FIGS. The device 100 also has a first support 12 mounted with rollers 14, 16 having surfaces 18, 20 for engaging and supporting the circumferential surface of the pipe 22 (see FIGS. 9, 12).
[0039]
In this embodiment, the cup 102 is also mounted on the first support 12 by the mounting plate 104 bolted to the support 12. The cup 102 is preferably rotatable about an axis 106, which is preferably substantially parallel and coaxial with the longitudinal axis 22a of the pipe 22, when the pipe is supported on rollers 14 and 16. The cup 102 has a circumferential sidewall 108 that defines an opening 110 also concentric with the shaft 106. As best shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, the opening 110 is arranged to receive the pipe 22 when the pipe 22 is supported on the rollers 14, 16. The inner surface 112 of the cup 20, also formed by the cup sidewall 108, is circumferentially engageable substantially continuously with the outer surface of the pipe 22 to provide a similar radial reinforcement to the collar 76. .
[0040]
As best shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, the cup 102 is preferably supported by one or more rollers 114, 116 mounted on the first support 12 coaxially with the support rollers 14, 16. As best shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, rollers 114 and 116 are rotatable about respective axes 14a and 16a, respectively. As described below, to prevent the cup from bending out of alignment with the shaft 22a when a force is applied to form a groove in the pipe or to make a mark on the pipe, the rollers 114, 116 is most effective when placed adjacent to the opening 110.
[0041]
As further shown in FIGS. 8-13, the device 100 also has a second support 26 movable with respect to the first support 12. In a preferred embodiment, the second support is movable in a direction indicated by arrow 30 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 22a of the pipe. Tools such as the grooving roll 24 illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the marking roll 36 illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 face the support 12 for engagement with the outer surface of the pipe 22. 26. As mentioned above, the tool is preferably rotatably mounted for rotation about an axis 118 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 22a of the pipe 22.
[0042]
The rollers 14, 16 have equal diameters, and the axes of rotation of the tools, such as the grooving roll 24 and the marking roll 36, are diametrically opposed to the rollers 14, 16 to support the pipe 22 at three points for maximum stability. In order to arrange the grooving rolls on the side, it is preferable to arrange them at an equal distance from the shafts 14a and 16a.
[0043]
The grooving roll 24 must be pressed against the pipe 22 with sufficient force to yield the pipe material and receive the permanent deformation forming groove 34. It is preferred that the wheel 24 be manufactured from hardened steel so that the force required is such that it does not undergo any stress induced deformation when the wheel 24 is pressed against the pipe with the force required to form the groove. Power. Since the required force is applied as a concentrated load at the wheel / pipe interface, the load tends to distort the pipe into an elliptical shape, even crushing the pipe. To prevent the pipe from deforming (and possibly collapsing) out of the circular shape as a result of the applied force, the inner surface 112 of the cup 102 is provided to provide the pipe with radial reinforcement around its circumference. It is effective to use. As with the collar 76, the use of the cup 102 provides a relatively high force without deforming the pipe. To ensure that the pipe is properly supported by the cup, it is also advantageous to position the grooving roll 24 immediately adjacent the opening 110 of the cup 102, as shown in FIG. The further the cup is away from the point of contact between the grooving roll 24 and the pipe 22, the less support is provided.
[0044]
In addition to reinforcing the pipe walls during the formation of the grooves, the cup 102 is also used to position the grooves 34 or patterns 40 axially along the pipe 22 so that the pipe ends and the grooves or markings Set the desired distance between the patterns. The correct distance between the pipe end and the groove or pattern is obtained only if the pipe is fully inserted into the cup and the cup has the correct depth. Thus, to perform this positioning function, the cup 102 is provided with a bottom 120, best shown in FIGS. The bottom 120 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation 106 of the cup 102 and faces the opening 110 to engage the end of the pipe 22 when the pipe is inserted into the cup. Holes 122 are located in the cup sidewall 108 adjacent to the bottom 120 to visually observe that the pipe 22 is properly engaged with the cup bottom so that the groove has the desired spacing from the pipe end. You. Since the grooves and marking patterns are most commonly located at different distances from the pipe end, the depth of the cup 102 determines whether the apparatus 100 is used for pipe marking or pipe grooving. Keep in mind that it depends. 9 and 13, a groove at a first distance from the end of the pipe and a marking pattern at another distance from the end of the pipe (or a pattern for the multiple wheels 36 shown) are positioned. The required variation of the cup depth is shown.
[0045]
As described above, cup 102 is also supported by a second pair of rollers 114,116. These rollers serve as reaction points for the forces transmitted by the pipe to the cup when the grooving roller 24 is pressed against the pipe during formation of the groove, and help maintain the cup concentric with the rotating shaft 106. I do. The cup 102 also keeps the pipe parallel to the axis of rotation 118 of the grooving roll 24, thus preventing the pipe from escaping from the axis of rotation 118.
[0046]
As described above, the present invention allows the tool to create grooves of uniform depth, regardless of pipe wall thickness variations, by applying a grooving roll to the outside of the pipe. Prior art grooving devices have wheels that engage the inner surface of the pipe, resulting in a groove that is concentric with the inner surface of the tube. This results in a non-uniform groove depth if the pipe wall has a non-uniform thickness over its circumference. If the depth of the groove is not uniform with respect to the outer surface of the pipe, the coupling strength will be reduced, so the uniformity of the groove depth is important when using a mechanical coupling to perform the fitting. is there.
[0047]
The depth of the groove is controlled in the apparatus 100 by a depth locating roller 124, best shown in FIGS. Depth positioning roller 124 is mounted on movable support 26 for rotation about axis 118. The roller 124 is arranged in an overlapping relationship with the cup 102 at an interval from the grooving roll 24. The diameter of the roller 124 is such that the circumferential surface 126 of the roller 124 contacts the cup 102 and stops the operation of the wheel 24 towards the pipe 22 when the desired groove depth is achieved. Set for
[0048]
To enable manual operation of the device 100, a handle 128 is attached to the support 12 to provide a leverage to rotate the device relative to the pipe, as described for the previous embodiment. The movable support 26 is again conveniently located on the handle 128 and is activated by a screw jack assembly and a knob (not shown).
[0049]
It is envisioned that the cup 102 will be easily interchangeable in order to easily adapt the device for use with pipes and tubes of various sizes. The grooving roll 24 and marking wheel 36 are also interchangeable so that wheels of various diameters, thicknesses, and circumferential surface patterns can be used to produce grooves of various depths, widths, and textures.
[0050]
FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of an apparatus 130 that uses a single support roller 132 located on the support 12 on the opposite side of the grooving roll 24 to the pipe 22. The cup 102 is used to hold the pipe between the grooving roll 34 and the support roller 132 when applying force to form the groove.
[0051]
It is noted that the cup 102 can be eliminated from all embodiments of the device except for the device 130 if proper care is taken not to apply excessive force between the grooving roll 24 and the pipe 22 at the same time. As long as the force exerted by the grooving roll on the pipe is sufficient to create the groove, but not enough to make the pipe non-circular, no cup is needed to support the pipe end.
[0052]
Alternatively, if a cup is used, it is not necessary to attach the cup to the apparatus, and it is possible to place the cup on the pipe end before the grooving roll 24 engages the pipe. Similarly, a plug fitting may be used in the pipe hole to support the pipe and prevent the pipe from deforming from a circular shape.
[0053]
Further, in order to carry out engagement of various tools with the pipe, it is preferable to fix and hold the support 12 and move the support 26. However, by holding and holding the support 26 and moving the support 12. Of course, it is also possible to forcibly engage the tool mounted on the pipe with the pipe.
[0054]
By using the pipe making apparatus according to the present invention, a groove having a uniform depth can be formed at a predetermined position of a pipe or a tube regardless of the uniformity of the wall thickness of the tube without using a tube or a wheel disposed inside the pipe. Can be formed. Due to the support provided by the collar or cup, the tube remains substantially circular despite the relatively large concentrated loads applied to the outer surface. The device is adaptable for both manual and automated use, with the manual embodiment having a handle to provide a leverage for manually rotating the tool about the tube.
[0055]
With the multifunctional embodiment according to the present invention, the pipes can be simply and quickly cut, chamfered, rounded, grooved and marked in one device. The device can be operated manually for relatively small diameter pipes, or it can be motorized for larger diameter and mass production. The apparatus according to the present invention can also be adapted to process pipes of various sizes by providing replaceable parts of dimensions suitable for a particular pipe.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multifunctional embodiment of a pipe making apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of a multifunctional tool set usable with the device according to the invention.
FIG. 5A is a detailed view of a multifunctional tool set usable with the device according to the invention.
FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of a multifunctional tool set usable with the device according to the invention.
FIG. 7 is a side view of an automated embodiment of the device according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention.
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention.
FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a partial side view of yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Claims (50)

An apparatus for performing at least one of a plurality of steps on a pipe having a longitudinal axis and an outer circumferential surface, the apparatus comprising:
A first support having a support surface engageable with an outer circumferential surface of the pipe;
A second support disposed in spaced relationship with the first support, and one of the supports being movable in a direction toward and away from the other of the supports;
A tool mounted on the second support and arranged facing the first support, the tool and the pipe being rotatable relative to each other about the longitudinal axis to perform the process Wherein the tool is engageable with the outer circumferential surface of the pipe when the pipe is supported on the first support, the tool comprising a grooving surface, a marking surface, a round radius surface , And a chamfered surface, wherein the plurality of steps include forming a circumferential groove around the pipe at the grooved surface, a fiducial mark around the circumference of the pipe at the marking surface. Forming a radius of the outer surface of the pipe at the radiused surface, and chamfering the outer surface of the pipe at the chamfered surface. The tool comprises a grooving roll rotatably mounted on the second support and having a circumferential surface comprising the grooving surface, wherein the grooving roll is substantially at the longitudinal axis of the pipe. 2. The device according to claim 1, having an axis of rotation parallel to. The tool comprises a marking roll rotatably mounted on the second support and having a circumferential surface comprising the marking surface, wherein the marking roll is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The device of claim 1 having a rotation axis. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the circumferential surface is knurled. The tool comprises a chamfer roll rotatably mounted on the second support and rotatable about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, wherein the chamfer roll comprises: The apparatus of claim 1 having a circumferential surface that is angled with respect to an axis of rotation, the circumferential surface comprising the chamfer. The tool comprises a radius forming roll rotatably mounted on the second support and rotatable about a rotation axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe; The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the roll has a curved circumferential surface engagable with an end of the pipe, the circumferential surface comprising the rounded radius surface. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of rollers mounted adjacent to each other on the first support, each of the rollers having a respective circumferential surface comprising a portion of the support surface, wherein the rollers are disposed on a length of the pipe. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is rotatable about a respective axis substantially parallel to the direction axis. A cup mounted on the first support, the cup defining an opening that is oriented and sized to receive an end of the pipe when the pipe is engaged with the first support; The apparatus of claim 1 having a circumferential side wall, the circumferential side wall engagable with the outer circumferential surface of the pipe, and providing radial reinforcement to the pipe. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the cup is rotatable about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. A hole is provided adjacent to the bottom, wherein the cup has a bottom located opposite the opening, and wherein the pipe end is received by the cup to allow visual confirmation that it has contacted the bottom. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the device is disposed on the circumferential side wall. Further comprising a roller rotatably mounted on said first support and disposed substantially opposite said tool with respect to said cup, said roller having a circumferential surface comprising said support surface. Item 10. The apparatus according to Item 8. A circumferential side wall further comprising a collar mounted on the first support, the collar defining an opening having a direction and size for receiving the pipe when the pipe is engaged with the first support. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circumferential sidewall is engagable with the outer circumferential surface of the pipe and provides radial reinforcement to the pipe. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the collar is rotatable about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The first support comprises first and second side walls disposed in spaced relation to face each other, wherein the first and second side walls are aligned with the opening of the collar. Having a respective hole therethrough, wherein the collar is disposed between the first and second sidewalls, one of the sidewalls having a retaining surface extending from the sidewall and engaging the collar; 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the collar captures the collar between the facing side walls. A first rolling bearing rotatably mounted on the first support and disposed below the collar between the first and second sidewalls, the rolling bearing engaging the collar and the rolling bearing; 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the device rotatably supports the collar. A roller rotatably mounted on the first support and positioned substantially opposite the tool with respect to the collar, wherein the roller is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the apparatus is rotatable about a major axis, and wherein the roller has a circumferential surface comprising the support surface. An elongate handle attached to the first support and extending from the first support substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, wherein the handle facilitates manual rotation of the device relative to the pipe. 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein An elongate screw jack mounted on the handle and having a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, wherein one end of the screw jack is located near the first support; A knob for manually moving the screw jack in a direction approaching the first support and in a direction away from the first support, the knob being disposed on the other end of the screw jack; 18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein manually rotating the second support causes movement of the second support in a direction approaching the first support and in a direction away from the first support. An apparatus for performing a plurality of steps substantially simultaneously on a pipe having a longitudinal axis and an outer circumferential surface, the apparatus comprising:
A first support having a support surface engageable with an outer circumferential surface of the pipe;
A second support disposed in spaced relationship with the first support, and one of the supports being movable in a direction toward and away from the other of the supports;
A first tool comprising a grooved surface mounted on the second support and arranged facing the first support, wherein the grooved surface is such that the pipe is supported on the first support; Being engageable with the outer circumferential surface of the pipe when
A second tool mounted on the second support and disposed facing the first support, the second tool substantially simultaneously with the first tool and the outer circumferential surface of the pipe; Engagable, wherein the second tool is selected from the group consisting of a marking surface, a round radius surface, a chamfer surface, and a cutting blade, wherein the plurality of steps includes the step of forming a circumferential surface around the pipe at the groove surface. Forming a directional groove, forming a fiducial mark around the circumference of the pipe at the marking surface, chamfering the outer surface of the pipe at the chamfered surface, forming a radius of the outer surface of the pipe at the radiused surface And cutting of the pipe with the cutting blade;
The first and second tools and the pipe being rotatable relative to each other about the longitudinal axis to perform the plurality of steps. The first tool comprises a grooving roll rotatably mounted on the second support and having a circumferential surface comprising the grooving surface, the grooving roll being attached to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. 20. The device of claim 19, having a substantially parallel axis of rotation. The second tool comprises a marking roll rotatably mounted on the second support coaxially with the first tool in a spaced relationship with the first tool, wherein the marking roll comprises the rotating shaft. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the apparatus is rotatable about and has a circumferential surface comprising the marking surface. 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the circumferential surface is knurled. The second tool comprises a chamfer roll rotatably mounted on the second support coaxially with the first tool in a spaced relationship with the first tool, wherein the chamfer roll comprises the rotating shaft. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, having a circumferential surface rotatable about and angled with respect to the axis of rotation, the circumferential surface comprising the chamfered surface. The second tool comprises a round radius forming roll rotatably mounted on the second support coaxially with the first tool in a spaced relationship with the first tool, wherein the round radius forming roll is A curved circumferential surface rotatable about the axis of rotation and facing the first tool and engageable with an end of the pipe, the curved circumferential surface comprising the rounded radius surface An apparatus according to claim 20 ,. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of rollers mounted adjacent to each other on the first support, each of the rollers having a respective circumferential surface comprising a portion of the support surface, wherein the rollers are disposed on a length of the pipe. 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the device is rotatable about a respective axis substantially parallel to the direction axis. A cup mounted on the first support, the cup defining an opening that is oriented and sized to receive an end of the pipe when the pipe is engaged with the first support; 20. The apparatus of claim 19, having a circumferential side wall, the circumferential side wall engagable with the outer circumferential surface of the pipe, and providing radial reinforcement to the pipe. 27. The device of claim 26, wherein the cup is rotatable about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. A hole is provided adjacent to the bottom, wherein the cup has a bottom located opposite the opening, and wherein the pipe end is received by the cup to allow visual confirmation that it has contacted the bottom. 27. The device of claim 26, wherein the device is disposed on the circumferential side wall. A roller rotatably mounted on the first support and disposed substantially opposite the first tool with respect to the cup, the roller having a circumferential surface comprising the support surface. An apparatus according to claim 26. A circumferential side wall further comprising a collar mounted on the first support, the collar defining an opening having a direction and size for receiving the pipe when the pipe is engaged with the first support. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the circumferential side wall is engagable with the outer circumferential surface of the pipe and provides radial reinforcement to the pipe. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the collar is rotatable about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. A roller rotatably mounted on the first support and positioned substantially opposite the tool with respect to the collar, wherein the roller is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the apparatus is rotatable about a major axis and the roller has a circumferential surface comprising the support surface. An elongate handle attached to the first support and extending from the first support substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, wherein the handle facilitates manual rotation of the device relative to the pipe. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein An elongate screw jack mounted on the handle and having a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, wherein one end of the screw jack is located near the first support; A knob for manually moving the screw jack in a direction approaching the first support and in a direction away from the first support, the knob being disposed on the other end of the screw jack; 34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein manually rotating the second support causes movement of the second support in a direction toward and away from the first support. An apparatus for performing a plurality of steps substantially simultaneously on a pipe having a longitudinal axis and an outer circumferential surface, the apparatus comprising:
A first support having a support surface engageable with an outer circumferential surface of the pipe;
A second support disposed in spaced relationship with the first support, and one of the supports being movable in a direction toward and away from the other of the supports;
A plurality of tools mounted on the second support and arranged to face the first support; and wherein the tools are configured to move the pipe when the pipe is supported on the first support. The tool is engagable substantially simultaneously with an outer circumferential surface, and the tool includes a grooving surface, a marking surface, a surface that deforms an end of the pipe, and a cutting blade, wherein the plurality of steps include: Formation of a circumferential groove around the pipe at a groove cut surface, formation of a reference mark around the circumference of the pipe at the marking surface, deformation of the outer surface of the pipe at the deformation surface, and cutting Cutting the pipe with a blade is included;
The tool and the pipe being rotatable with respect to each other about the longitudinal axis to perform the plurality of steps. A first of the tools is rotatably mounted on the second support and comprises a grooving roll having a circumferential surface comprising the grooving surface, wherein the grooving roll comprises 36. The device of claim 35, having an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. A second of the tools comprises a marking roll rotatably mounted on the second support coaxially with the grooving roll in a spaced relationship with the grooving roll; 37. The device of claim 36, wherein the device has a circumferential surface comprising the marking surface and is rotatable about the axis of rotation. 38. The device of claim 37, wherein the circumferential surface is knurled. A third of the tools is rotatably mounted on the second support coaxially with the grooving roll and the marking roll in a spaced relationship with the grooving roll and the marking roll. A chamfering roll, wherein the chamfering roll is rotatable about the axis of rotation and has a circumferential surface that is angled with respect to the axis of rotation, wherein the circumferential surface is the circumference of the pipe. 38. The device of claim 37, comprising the surface deforming an end. A fourth of the tools comprises a circular cutting blade rotatably mounted on the second support coaxially with and adjacent to the chamfering roll, wherein the circular cutting blade comprises 40. The device of claim 39, wherein the device is rotatable about an axis. A third tool rotatably mounted on the second support rotatably on the second support coaxially with the grooving roll and the marking roll in a spaced relationship with the grooving roll and the marking roll; Forming roll, wherein the rounding radius forming roll is rotatable about the rotation axis and has a curved circumferential surface disposed facing the grooving roll and engageable with an end of the pipe. 38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the curved circumferential surface comprises the radiused surface that deforms the outer surface of the pipe. The tool is mounted on a mandrel disposed on the second support coaxially with the axis of rotation, and at least one of the tools is mounted on the mandrel independently of another one of the tools on the mandrel. 41. The device of claim 40, wherein the device is rotatable. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of rollers mounted adjacent to each other on the first support, each of the rollers having a respective circumferential surface comprising a portion of the support surface, wherein the rollers are disposed on a length of the pipe. 36. The device of claim 35, wherein the device is rotatable about a respective axis substantially parallel to the direction axis. A circumferential sidewall defining a opening mounted in the first support, the collar defining an opening that is oriented and sized to receive the pipe when the pipe is engaged with the first support; 36. The apparatus of claim 35, comprising: the circumferential sidewall being engagable with the outer circumferential surface of the pipe, and providing radial reinforcement to the pipe. 45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the collar is rotatable about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The first support comprises first and second side walls disposed in spaced relation to face each other, wherein the first and second side walls are in alignment with the opening in the collar. Having a respective hole therethrough, wherein the collar is disposed between the first and second side walls, one of the side walls having a retaining surface extending from the side wall and engaging the collar; 46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the collar captures the collar between the facing side walls. A first rolling bearing rotatably mounted on the first support and disposed below the collar between the first and second sidewalls, the rolling bearing engaging the collar and the rolling bearing; 47. The device of claim 46, wherein the device rotatably supports the collar. A roller rotatably mounted on the first support and positioned substantially opposite the tool with respect to the collar, wherein the roller is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. 45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the apparatus is rotatable about a major axis, and wherein the roller has a circumferential surface comprising the support surface. An elongate handle attached to the first support and extending from the first support substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, wherein the handle facilitates manual rotation of the device relative to the pipe. 36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein An elongate screw jack mounted on the handle and having a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, wherein one end of the screw jack is located near the first support; A knob for manually moving the screw jack in a direction approaching the first support and in a direction away from the first support, the knob being disposed on the other end of the screw jack; 50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein manually rotating the second support causes movement of the second support in a direction toward and away from the first support.